May 2022 Paper 1 Sample Response 3

Guiding question: Explore how the writer develops their argument about the seriousness of climate change

With the rapid development and industrialization of the world, one key aspect that been neglected for too many years is the effect on the environment. Now, climate change is the focus of the world as the environment suffers from the pollution caused by human development. The article posted on the National Geographic website aims to educate the target audience of environmental enthusiasts and the general public on the causes and effects of climate change. National Geographic is well known for their in depth videos/articles on environmental and geographic happening, thus, this article will be able to attract large groups of individuals, which helps to share the writers argument. Through this quick 2 minute read, the writer uses a clear structure and stylistic features to argue the seriousness of climate change.

Firstly, the writer uses an urgent tone in the first paragraph to aid in depicting how serious climate change is. By using this urgent tone so early in the article it captures the audience as it engages them. “Rising temperatures aren’t waiting for some far-flung future.” The use of “aren’t waiting” shows the urgency as it paints the picture that there is no time to lose, creating the feeling of being rushed. Furthermore the exaggeration of “far flung future” implies the idea that we as a society assume or feel that the impact of climate change is far away but in reality it is not. This draws in the pathos of the reader as it makes the reader question their actions that has contributed to climate change. In addition, by setting this tone, the reader is now more engaged as they want to find out more, serving to the aim of the article.

Moving on, the writer emphasizes on the stereotypes associated with climate change as a form of engagement to show the “true realities” of climate change. The writer starts of the second paragraph with “many think” this not only shows the commonality of the claim but also draws in the audience as they ponder if they are related to the claim. The writer then uses anaphora of complex to remind the audience that climate change is multidimensional and is not a synonym to global warming. This comparison serves to remind the audience that there is much more to this issue than the literal meaning of “global” and “warming.” By supporting this with a list of effects such as “extreme weather events rising seas etc.,” the audience gains a full outlook on the numerous problems that needs to be solved.

The writer then continues to use listing a way to develop his argument. The combination of logos and listing engages the audience's ethos. Not only does these jarring events like “the number of glaciers has declined from over 150 to less than 30” or “severe drought” scare the audience but also create a shocking feeling as the audience will feel dumbfounded as their actions have caused this much harm. Furthermore, the audience are also able to feel and see the effects of climate change in their everyday life, hence, this list also works to be a reminder to the audience of the experiences they have, playing to their ethos. Moreover, the list has been chosen with specific facts such as “mosquitos, ticks, jellyfish, crop pest are thriving.” These are all wildlife that many human hate. Thus by putting this fact out there, it emphasizes on the many unwanted consequences of climate change, further proposing the seriousness if it doesn’t stop. Adding on, the writer uses credibility through “scientists already have documented” to prove to the audience that these examples are taking place and need to be solved.

Lastly, the writer present future events in the end of the article as a form of warning to the audience and to emphasize the seriousness of the situation. Once again the writer provides a list, which not only sends the idea to the audience that there are endless consequences but also works as a form of repetition. The writer writes “other effects could take place later this century.” Through the use low modal verb “could” this imply that climate change can be prevented if actions are to be taken. It also suggests uncertainty and that although these effects may not occur, others might, showing the unpredictable nature of the situation, emphasizing seriousness. This paragraph is paired with a photo of glacier in Antarctica, showing the beautiful and majestic nature of the glaciers and what planet earth could be losing if climate change persists, thus, the audience’s pathos is hit, and will make them feel inclined to prevent climate change from worsening. In addition, the list of effects include key necessities of human life like fresh water, and the ecosystem, which depicts the large changes that are yet to come. Furthermore, the increase of disease that are very harmful to humans are reemerging which is never a positive sign. Hence we as reader feel urgency to prevent these serious and threatening effects.

Articles like this National Geographic one are published with a purpose, and an end goal. Through educating and describing the threatening effects, alongside the careful use of structure and literary techniques, the writer is able to achieve their goal of arguing the seriousness of climate change. The environment around us brought many benefits to human evolution, yet its neglection has come and is leading to many undesirable effects. Thus, by protecting and changing our ways, the seriousness of climate change can be prevented in hopes for less damage for our generation and future generations.                                                

 Word count: 923